NO wonder Thierry Henry has been unveiled as Real Madrid's top transfer target. No wonder, too, that Arsenal will not sell him at any price.

Henry revealed the 100th - and indeed 101st - reason why Arsenal are determined to hang onto him as he reached his Premiership century of goals against Southampton to take the Gunners five points clear at the top.

Having scored his first league goal against Southampton in September 1999, it was against the same club that he became the 11th player - and the second overseas star after Dwight Yorke - to pass his hundred.

It was a landmark achieved amid considerable controversy, given that the Frenchman looked clearly offside as he latched onto Robert Pires' pass on 31 minutes.

Indeed, Southampton were also still complaining at a perceived foul on Danny Higginbotham in the build-up to his second strike in the final minute.

However, the Frenchman still finished both chances with aplomb and however highly prized he may be in Spain, he is revered in north London.

Gordon Strachan deserved so much better. It was bad enough Glenn Hoddle was being lined up as Southampton's potential new coach, possibly as early as next week. However, if this was to be the Scot's last game in charge then it was a night of sheer frustration as he again impersonated a fizzing firework on the touchline. At least his side fought as a side managed by Strachan should do, giving their all but just failing to finish off their determined work.